Valley Fever on the Rise-Searching for Microbial Antagonists to the Fungal Pathogen Coccidioides immitis.

ABSTRACT: The incidence of coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is increasing in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite considerable efforts, a vaccine to protect humans from this disease is not forthcoming. The aim of this project was to isolate and phylogenetically compare bacterial species that could serve as biocontrol candidates to suppress the growth of Coccidioides immitis, the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis, in eroded soils or in areas close to human settlements that are being developed. Soil erosion in Coccidioides endemic areas is leading to substantial emissions of fugitive dust that can contain arthroconidia of the pathogen and thus it is becoming a health hazard. Natural microbial antagonists to C. immitis, that are adapted to arid desert soils could be use

SUBMITTER: Lauer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6406340 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature